'The Seas That Made Us' video out TODAY
Good morning dear ones,
I am overjoyed (and a little overwhelmed) to share with you my new music video for The Seas That Made Us, out today! Please enjoy and share with your loved ones far and wide.
The full album is out Oct. 21 and you can pre-order here (a great way to support this work).
This video has my whole heart. It was filmed in the alley behind my home, in a city that I love fiercely (Troy, NY), made in collaboration with friends and neighbors. Filming was emotional, and hot. With temperatures in the mid-90s, we spent the day laugh-crying through the sweat. It was a long day, but we did it, with the magic take happening serendipitously during the golden hour light.
The video was directed by filmmaker Lyle Kash, who I had the great fortune of meeting while we were both in residency at Marble House Project. Lyle is making waves with his first feature film Death and Bowling, which is currently on the international festival circuit and receiving much deserved critical success! If you ever have the opportunity to see this film, run, don't walk. Lyle brought so much vision and clarity and magic to this music video. It was truly an honor to work with him, and I feel so lucky to call him a friend.
The choreography is by Antonio Ramos, who I also met at the same residency. Antonio's work is ecstatic and so sincere. As a tender aside, Lyle and Antonio began an epic romance during our time at Marble House, and I feel such privilege in having been present for their origin story. That they worked together on this music video just adds to its beating heart.
Alvaro Gonzalez-Dupuy is the featured dancer, who I had not met prior to working on this project, but we instantly connected. Speaking of hearts, his is one of the biggest, and he laid it all out with his joyful, raw dancing. And that smile...!
Zach Durocher was our camera operator. All the real-time movement during filming was quite fast because we shot in slow motion, which meant Zach was running to keep up with Alvaro. It was no easy feat considering the intense heat and weight of the rig. He did such incredible work!
And that warm, tasty audio that you're hearing was produced and mastered by Sam Torres for the album.
A huge thank you to Adam Muro, our focus puller, and Jess Bowen, the production assistant. With special thanks to Adam Elabd and Ryan Leddick who helped us move the upright from my backyard into the alley; thank you to Patricia Magur, my neighbor, who graciously let us park a truck in her backyard; thank you to Kiki Vassilakis for the behind the scenes photos; and thank you to Sam Torres who did all the random tasks on filming day that no one sees but which made everything run smoothly.
Lastly, I am filled with gratitude for the extras, who sat in the heat through multiple takes. Thank you Grace Cometti, Stanley Hadsell, Reilley Killion, Danny Killion, Leah Nehme, Olivia Stein, and Sam Torres.
I hope you enjoy this offering. Again, please share with your loved ones. You can forward this email or share the youtube link. It takes a village.
From my tender heart to yours,
Sophia